New York Giants Sign Former Rival Shawn Andrews

The New York Giants have plucked a name with considerable pedigree, (both positive and negative) away from the Philadelphia Eagles today, agreeing to terms with offensive lineman Shawn Andrews.

The terms of the contract call for Andrews to earn a maximum of $32.5 million over five years; only $250,000 of that money is guaranteed at this point.

He will make $1.5 million this season in base salary.

Andrews was once considered an elite offensive lineman, having made the Pro Bowl three straight seasons from 2005-2007 and being named first team All-Pro in 2006 as well.

Since then he has had well documented injury issues and concerns about his personal life. He departed from the Eagles organized activities in June of 2009; eventually he missed 17 days of Eagles training camp, citing depression issues.

He ended up starting the first two games of the season, leaving during a 41-37 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a sore back.

That injury ended his 2008 campaign, and despite having surgery in the off-season, he re-injured his back before the 2009 season and was placed on Injured Reserve.

Now he finds himself suiting up for his former rival after the Eagles released him this off-season.

If can give the Giants just 70 percent of the caliber of play he showcased in Philly, they will have found an absolute steal.

If his back acts up again, or he loses his passion for the game again, or his depression causes him to miss reps in training, or, or, or… Well, lets just suffice to say that’s why the big man remained team-less until training camps began to wind down.